To assist international students in seeking employment in Taiwan after graduation, the International and Mainland Student Guidance Section of the Office of International Affairs held an information session titled “Exploring Your Future in Taiwan: The Taiwan Employment Gold Card for International Students” at 12:10 p.m. on November 27 at the Ching-Sheng International Conference Hall. Representatives Bradley Orr and Dennis Chen from Talent Taiwan were invited to explain relevant regulations for foreign graduates wishing to remain in Taiwan, the points-based assessment system, and the Taiwan Employment Gold Card program.
Bradley Orr first introduced Talent Taiwan as a national-level service center dedicated to attracting and supporting foreign talent in Taiwan. In collaboration with the National Development Council, the center provides multilingual service counters, career consultation services, and a one-stop information platform. This platform provides visa information, job search resources, and relocation guides. The center also operates the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office, which helps foreign professionals and Gold Card holders access essential information more efficiently.
Orr further explained that foreign students who wish to remain in Taiwan after graduation may apply for a Job-Seeking Resident Certificate (ARC), which allows them to stay in Taiwan for up to 12 months, with the possibility of a one-time extension for an additional 12 months if necessary. During the job search period, foreign graduates must understand the points-based assessment system, which evaluates criteria such as academic qualifications, average monthly salary, and proficiency in Chinese and English. Applicants must accumulate at least 70 points to qualify for employment, and the period of employment can be counted toward eligibility for future application for permanent residency (APRC). He also noted that foreign workers in Taiwan are entitled to National Health Insurance and Labor Insurance benefits, may accumulate residency years toward permanent residency, and may apply for dependent residency or visitor visas for family members, allowing them to enjoy the same benefits in Taiwan.
The briefing also introduced the Taiwan Employment Gold Card, a special visa program designed for high-level professionals. Industry experts with extensive work experience or individuals holding doctoral degrees in specific fields are eligible to apply and enjoy a range of benefits. These include an open work permit that allows holders to freely change jobs, work for multiple employers simultaneously, start their own businesses, and shortened eligibility periods for permanent residency applications, as well as tax incentives for first-time employment in Taiwan.
In addition, Orr shared online job-search resources available to international students, such as 104 Job Bank, Cake, and LinkedIn, while noting that service centers like the Talent Taiwan can help students quickly access diverse and essential information. He also highlighted the Office’s collaboration with the Canaan Project, a community formed by international students in Taiwan that serves as a bridge between companies and foreign students, increasing opportunities for successful employment in Taiwan.
In closing, Orr encouraged students to reflect on what they have learned during their time in Taiwan by asking questions such as, “How can I stand out in the job market?” and “How can I compete with local job seekers?” and to apply these insights in their job search. He emphasized that international students bring unique perspectives to problem-solving and suggested that deepening their understanding of Taiwanese culture and lifestyle, while demonstrating strong communication skills, teamwork, and a growth mindset during interviews, would greatly enhance their chances of success in the job market.
